Like any other industry, the film industry of south is also primarily a male-dominated industry, but that does not mean the fairer sex has failed to make their mark. Here are three female-centric South Indian movies that are a must-watch.

Naalu Pennungal

Naalu Pennungal is a Malayalam movie which was produced and directed by Adoor Gopalakrishnan. Made in the year 2007, this movie revolves around four short stories written by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai and chronicles the life stories of four women — from different strata of society where economic and social boundaries exist — who are trapped in very difficult life situations, for which none of them are responsible.
Watch this masterpiece for the sheer sensitivity with which the veteran filmmaker spins the tale of four ordinary women whose struggles we all can relate to.

Mouna Ragam

Directed by Mani Ratnam, this 1986 Tamil blockbuster revolves around the emotional conflicts of a woman (played by Revathy) who is forced into an arranged marriage, while she’s still carrying the emotional remnants of a past relationship. The story traces her journey as she enters the marriage with bitterness but eventually falls in love with her husband.

Revathy — in one of the best performances of her career — is a breath of fresh air as she questions the standards of the society, stands up for her own desires and has a very clear understanding about her own strength and shortcomings. Ilaiyaraaja’s music is an additional treat.

Aval Oru Thodarkathai

In this 1974 movie, the director, K Balachander, beautifully depicts how a working-class woman sacrifices her personal wishes and happiness to support her widowed sister, mother, and an alcoholic brother and his family even after her marriage. The beauty of this movie lies in the depiction of the lead character who armours herself not only in make-up, but in smiles and laughter and finally manages to get her due respect.
Though we have picked these three classics, there are plenty of South Indian movies that are relatable to women of all generations and are thoroughly entertaining. So the next time you’re in the mood to watch something that makes you feel special about being a woman, there’s a host of South Indian films to explore.